Living the Dream, Inc., was chartered as a not-for-profit community based organization in 1985 by Robert Bugg to serve as a multi-cultural citizen’s group to help preserve the legacy and example to the lateDr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., and to plan appropriate ceremonies and programs in conjunction with the legal King Holiday enacted by the Congress of the United States.The goals of Living the Dream, Inc., are to enhance Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence throughout the year, to recognize and teach human understanding, and to promote academic excellence. Toward these goals, Living the Dream, Inc., provides scholarships to students that meet scholastic requirements set forth by the Living the Dream Board. Annually, in honor of Dr. King, Living the Dream, Inc., recognizes individuals, organizations, and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the Topeka and Shawnee County community. Emphasis is placed on acknowledging those who often go unnoticed. Since 1985, the Board has sponsored an annual black-tie gala in honor of Dr. King. In 1988, the first Celebrity Fashion Show was held.The year of 2002 was a breakthrough for the Topeka community and the Living the Dream, Inc.’s Board. Thirty corporations, businesses, schools, and organizations joined forces and the Living the Dream Business Partners Board was formed. The two boards have worked together in conjunction and now a nine-day celebration is held in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2007 the Living the Dream Foundation was established.